AN appeal launched in memory of four friends and colleagues who were killed in a workplace accident is set to raise well in excess of �10,000.

The Four Friends Memorial Fund has just received a massive �3,000 boost from a village pub, bringing the total to nearly �9,000, with some major fundraising events to come.

In just two months, the Cock Inn in Stanton has managed to collect the huge sum of money for the Four Friends appeal.

The money will go towards a permanent memorial in honour of the four local men who were killed.

Brothers Thomas and Daniel Hazelton and their workmates Peter Johnson and Adam Taylor died while they were working at Claxton Engineering Services Limited in Great Yarmouth on January 21.

Thomas, 26, Daniel, 30, and Peter (known as PJ), 42, were from the village of Stanton, and Adam, 28, was from Rickinghall.

The total of the fund, launched by the East Anglian Daily Times in liaison with the men’s families, now stands at �8935.70.

Cock Inn landlord Nigel Wallace said he was “mesmerised” with the generosity of customers and strangers, adding that they wanted to thank everybody who had put money in the pot.

He said: “People have just come past and walked past the pub and put money in the pot, whether they knew the lads or not.

“It’s been a fantastic effort for the whole village.”

Matthew Hazelton, brother to Tom and Daniel, said the fund figure achieved was “fantastic”.

He said: “I knew they [the Cock Inn] had a fair bit down there because I obviously go down there quite a bit, but it’s fantastic, absolutely fantastic.”

Adam’s brother Jason said he was “overwhelmed” with the fundraising effort. “I’m just amazed there’s that much support,” he said.

It is hoped the four families will be able to get together in the near future to discuss what the money should be spent on.

Mr Wallace added how the pub wanted to thank Tripp Batt country store in Stanton and Rickinghall newsagents for having collections which they passed onto the pub.

The Cock Inn is continuing to collect cash which it will pass onto the fund.

It is holding a bike ride on July 2 in aid of the fund as well as the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

A sportsman’s dinner featuring former Premier League footballer Paul Merson is taking place at Stanton Village Hall on May 7 to support the fund.

Support for the fund has come from all sectors of the community, including schools, businesses and individuals.

A donation of �500 has recently been received from Vion Agriculture Ltd, which is based in Stanton.

The investigation into the accident at Claxton Engineering is ongoing.

•To support the Four Friends Memorial Fund, please send cheques payable to Archant Regional Ltd (write Four Friends Memorial Fund on reverse of cheque), to Four Friends Memorial Fund, c/o the editor, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN.